Bubinga (also known as Kevazingo)
Guibourtia spp. (G. tessmannii, G. pellegriniana) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked with characteristic dark streaks; features a very distinct, coarse texture with prominent open pores visible as dark spots or 'flecking' on the surface.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from pinkish red to a darker reddish brown with darker purple or black streaks. Sapwood is a pale straw color. It has a high natural luster and tends to darken and become richer in tone over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,410 lbf (Very Hard to Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termite and powder post beetle attacks and naturally resistant to rot and decay.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer (Kevazingo), decorative knife handles, musical instruments (drums and guitars), and luxury flooring.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial Africa (Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot, though prices vary significantly based on figuring and CITES availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (late 20th or early 21st century); the surface shows fresh mill marks and minimal oxidation, suggesting it has been stored in a climate-controlled shop environment.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (restricting international trade) and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation.
Workability
Generally difficult to work due to high density and interlocked grain, which can cause significant tearout. It has a high silica content that dulls tool edges quickly. Glues well despite high density.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its heavy weight and a faint, unpleasant odor when wet or being worked. Known for the 'bee's wing' or pommele figure in high-end veneers.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well but looks best with an oil-based finish or clear lacquer to enhance depth and chatoyance; seal with dewaxed shellac if using water-based finishes to prevent bleeding of natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-pink hue, dense brownish-purple streaks, and the highly specific coarse pore structure visible on the tangential face is diagnostic for Bubinga.